Orthomolecular Alcoholism Treatment

Orthomolecular Alcoholism Treatment

Orthomolecular Alcoholism Treatment – Theraputic Nutrition

Many alcoholism treatment experts, including Alcoholics Anonymous founder Bill Wilson (who died in 1971), advocate that successful treatment protocol for alcoholism involves addressing the medical, mental and spiritual health of individuals suffering from the disease.

Addressing the medical aspect of treatment begins with ensuring proper nutrition and metabolic functioning of the body.

The practice of orthomolecular medicine is one approach to the medical component of the alcoholism recovery process.

Orthomolecular medicine describes the practice of preventing and treating disease through therapeutic nutrition.

By providing the body with optimal amounts of nutrients and substances that are natural to the body, orthomolecular alcoholism treatment may help further recovery and increase the likelihood of positive treatment outcomes.

Orthomolecular Alcoholism Treatment

Niacin is one of the most powerful nutrients for treating alcoholism, according to orthomolecular expert Abram Hoffer, M.D., Ph.D, in his article, “Treatment Protocol for Alcoholism,” that appeared in the July 1, 2005 issue of Medicine News Service. In proper doses, the nutrient provides relief from chronic depression and other physical and mental complaints.

Dr. Hoffer, who is president of Orthomolecular Vitamin Information Center in British Columbia, Canada, noted that Niacin does not work as well when alcoholics are still drinking, but in a few cases, it has decreased the intake of alcohol until abstinence can be realized.

To help stop drinking and return the body to normal function, Dr. Hoffer suggests the following protocol, in addition to niacin, for orthomolecular alcoholism treatment.

It includes nutritional elements that have demonstrated success in treating alcohol abuse and dependence.

These supplement are best combined with dietary advice and additional nutrients. This regime should be following only under the supervision of a orthomolecular practitioner or other healthcare provider.

Vitamin C to saturation (on the order of 10,000 to 20,000 mg per day and more). High doses of vitamin C chemically neutralize the toxic breakdown products of alcohol metabolism. Vitamin C also increases the liver's ability to reverse the fatty build-up so common in alcoholics.

Take 1000 mg of vitamin C every hour until saturation is reached and there ise a single episode of diarrhea. Then, reduce the dosage to 1000 mg every four hours.

B50-complex tablet (comprising 50 mg of each of the major B-vitamins, 6 times daily).

L-Glutamine (2000 or 3000 mg). L-Glutamine is an amino acid that decreases physiological cravings for alcohol. It is one the two primary energy providers that burn glycogen to provide fuel to the brain and stimulates many neurofunctions.

L- Glutamine is naturally produced in the liver and kidneys. Alcohol harms the kidneys and liver, thus supplementation is vital (concurrently reducing cravings for sugar and alcohol).

Lecithin (2 to 4 tablespoons daily). Provides inositol and choline, related to the B-complex. Lecithin also helps mobilize fats out of the liver.

Chromium (at least 200 to perhaps 400 mcg chromium polynicotinate daily). Chromium greatly reduces carbohydrate mis-metabolism, and greatly helps control blood sugar levels. Many, if not most, alcoholics are hypoglycemic.

A good high-potency multi-vitamin, multi-mineral supplement as well, containing magnesium (400 mg) and the antioxidants carotene and d-alpha tocopherol.

Before engaging in a nutrition therapy program, always seek the counsel of an orthomolecular practitioner or other healthcare provider. For more information on orthomolecular alcoholism treatment, visit www.orthomolecular.org.

Sources:

Orthomolecular.org, managed by The Center For The Improvement Of Human Functioning International, a non-profit medical, research and educational organization based in Wichita, Kansas.

Newmediaexplorer.org, Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, a non-profit and informational resource that is peer reviewed.

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